• Society

Restored Cambodia-French Friendship Monument Inaugurated

• By Meng Seavmey
• July 14, 2023 5:13 PM

PHNOM PENH – The rebuilt Monument aux Morts, or Roupi monument, has been inaugurated to commemorate the fallen soldiers in World War 1 from 1914 to 1918, after nearly six months of restoration.

The ceremony, near the French Embassy in Phnom Penh, was also held on July 14 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Cambodia-France diplomatic ties, especially on France’s Bastille Day.

Chea Sophara, Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said at the inauguration that the work took 163 days and was completed on July 7.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Sen voiced his approval of the dedication of the monument, which was built as a symbol of solidarity between Cambodia and France during WW1.

He said it would be a place for the French Embassy to commemorate the end of the war and conduct other ceremonies.

French Ambassador J​a​cqu​e​s ​Pellet said the restored statue looked the same as the original, as the Prime Minister had told him during his visit in December last year.

“Through this meaningful, unexpected gesture, the Prime Minister showed how deep the friendship has been between the two countries for 160 years,” the Ambassador said at the ceremony.

“Building the monument will turn Phnom Penh city — which is a 589-year-old political, economic, and cultural center of Cambodia — into a historic capital with pride and memorable cultural heritages for all generations,” said Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The statue was demolished in 1977 during the Khmer Rouge regime. The National museum had kept seven pieces, including two elephant heads, two elephant front parts, a part of the statue depicting people, a lion statue and a naga head.

The pieces were transferred to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction on Dec. 25 last year for the restoration.

The monument was based on the original design by Paul Ducuing in 1925.